Recently, Mrs. DM has been listening to the podcast “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill Church.“ This podcast was created by Mike Cosper of Christianity Today in 2021. It chronicles the story of Mars Hill Church of Seattle and its demise. In particular, the podcast focuses on the main figure of that story–namely, Mark … Continue reading “Revisiting memories and “The Rise & Fall of Mars Hill Church” Podcast”
Category: Sin
“Agreed, you didn’t file the papers.”
“Agreed, you didn’t file the [divorce] papers.” -Church Official After I had successfully defended my ministerial license with my now former denomination, I was forced to undergo a year of pastoral “care.” The official in charge of this year–knowing the awful details of my divorce–made a version of the above statement. If you did not … Continue reading ““Agreed, you didn’t file the papers.””
“You’re so defensive!” Manipulation
“You’re so defensive!” says Manipulator. “You have to learn to take honest feedback better.” “You’re so defensive!” Manipulation I call this a manipulation because the person making the statement effectively turns our attention away from what they said or did to your response. They have changed the subject from their misbehavior to your reaction to … Continue reading ““You’re so defensive!” Manipulation”
Why not focus on Cheater repentance more?
Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. -Hebrews 12:15b, NLT 26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. -Hebrews 10:26-27, … Continue reading “Why not focus on Cheater repentance more?”
Are you angry with the wicked, too?!
God is a just judge, And God is angry with the wicked every day. -Psalm 7:11, NKJV A common false teaching among Christians is one where anger is treated as sinful. This false teaching serves abusers. Abusers can appeal to this false teaching to manipulate situations and paint their victims as “sinful” for their anger. The question over why … Continue reading “Are you angry with the wicked, too?!”
Cheaters as provokers. Don’t give them the satisfaction.
A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. -Proverbs 25:28, NLT For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control. -2 Timothy 1:7, TPT Some cheaters thrive off of provoking the faithful spouse to anger. I believe this. It … Continue reading “Cheaters as provokers. Don’t give them the satisfaction.”
“I didn’t mean to hurt you” Cheater Line
“I didn’t mean to hurt you,” says tearful Cheater. Notice what is missing in such a statement from a Cheater: -No mention of what they did being wrong. -No hint that they would not do it, again. -No remorse for your pain. They are trying to manage their own conscience and protect their image with … Continue reading ““I didn’t mean to hurt you” Cheater Line”
Cheaters deeply invested in their own narrative
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. -Proverbs 18:2, NIV Cheaters have a vested interest in having your agreement to their marriage ending narrative. If they have anything left of a conscience, they hope to alleviate the internal pain by getting your agreement to their narrative. Of course, this … Continue reading “Cheaters deeply invested in their own narrative”
Cheater-Speak: “I was afraid you would get angry…”
“I was afraid you would get angry. That is why I did not tell you [I was cheating on you].” -Cheater Isn’t it amazing how a Cheater can make their lying your fault? Now, we know their lies are their lies. However, Cheaters are adept at shifting blame. In this mind trick: The speaker is blaming their … Continue reading “Cheater-Speak: “I was afraid you would get angry…””
My ministry philosophy
35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. -Matthew 9:35-36, NIV My hurt is burdened for those who are … Continue reading “My ministry philosophy”